Charlee Minkin: A Legacy of Grappling Excellence at The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiu-JItsu
Charlee Minkin stands as a distinguished and multifaceted instructor at The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness, located in Lakewood, Colorado. Her unique distinction lies in her exceptional mastery of two prominent grappling arts: Judo, an Olympic sport renowned for its dynamic throws and takedowns, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a discipline celebrated for its intricate ground fighting techniques. This rare combination of expertise positions her as an invaluable asset to the martial arts community and a highly sought-after instructor for those seeking comprehensive grappling skills. Her journey through the demanding worlds of both Judo and BJJ is a testament to her unwavering dedication and profound understanding of combat sports.
From the Tatami to the Olympics: Forging a Judo Legend
Charlee Minkin's martial arts odyssey began at the remarkably young age of five at the prestigious Willy Cahill's Judo Club in California. This club holds a significant reputation for nurturing high-caliber Judo athletes , providing a fertile ground for her early development. Under the guidance of experienced instructors at Cahill's, Minkin quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and an unwavering commitment to the sport. This early immersion and rigorous training laid a solid foundation for her future successes.
Her dedication bore fruit as she ascended rapidly through the ranks of youth Judo, accumulating numerous Junior National and Junior Olympic titles during her formative years at Cahill's Judo. Achieving such significant success at the national junior level at a young age speaks volumes about her innate talent, disciplined training regimen, and deep understanding of Judo principles. This early dominance signaled a deep-seated passion and aptitude for the sport, foreshadowing her future achievements on the international stage.
At the age of fourteen, Minkin's exceptional abilities earned her a coveted spot on the Jr World team , marking her entry into the competitive arena of international Judo. Representing the United States at the Junior World Championships at such a young age signifies a remarkable level of skill and potential, placing her among the elite young Judo athletes from across the globe. This experience would have provided invaluable exposure to diverse Judo styles and the intense pressure of high-level competition, contributing significantly to her overall development as a martial artist.
Driven by an unwavering ambition to compete in the Olympics, Minkin made a pivotal move at the age of seventeen to the esteemed Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.1 At the Olympic Training Center, she had the privilege of training under the tutelage of Ed Liddie, a highly respected figure in American Judo, who himself is a 1984 Olympic Bronze medalist and served as the head coach. Training under such an accomplished coach further refined her skills and strategic approach to competition.
Charlee’s dedication and rigorous training culminated in an impressive list of accomplishments in Judo, showcasing the breadth and significance of her achievements on both national and international platforms. A defining moment in her career was her proud representation of the United States at the 2004 Olympic Team in Athens, Greece. Participation in the Olympics represents the pinnacle of achievement for any athlete, underscoring her years of unwavering dedication, relentless training, and mastery of Judo techniques. This single achievement highlights the immense effort and sacrifice invested in reaching the highest level of athletic competition.
Beyond the Olympics, Minkin was a two-time member of the prestigious World Team , further solidifying her position as one of the top Judo competitors in the United States. Her success extended to the Pan American level, where she consistently demonstrated her prowess, securing two silver medals at the Pan American Games and achieving the coveted gold medal at the Pan American Championships. Her ability to consistently perform at such a high level against international competition speaks to her exceptional skill and competitive spirit.
Charlee also proved her mettle in numerous other major international tournaments, consistently earning medals at events such as the U.S. Open, the Rendez-Vous, Benito Juarez, and the Titan Games. Adding to her impressive competitive record, Minkin currently holds the esteemed rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) in Judo, a recognition she attained in 2020.10 Achieving a 5th-degree black belt in Judo signifies decades of dedicated practice, a deep and comprehensive understanding of Judo's technical intricacies, and significant contributions to the sport. This high rank demonstrates her continued commitment to Judo and her respected standing within the Judo community.
Earlier in her career, Minkin had already established herself as a dominant force in American Judo, winning three national titles in 2000, 2002, and 2004, as well as securing five continental titles. These prior achievements underscore her sustained excellence and dominance in the sport before her Olympic appearance.
It's also noteworthy that Minkin comes from a family deeply involved in Judo, with her mother also holding a black belt and her sister being a fellow Judo champion and JiuJitsu black belt and her brother who also holds a black belt in Judo and a black belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu .
Embracing the Ground Game: Charlee Minkin's Journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In 2009, after achieving considerable success in Judo, Charlee Minkin embarked on a new martial arts journey, venturing into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This transition highlights her continued pursuit of grappling excellence and her willingness to expand her martial arts repertoire beyond her already impressive Judo background. Her decision to begin training in BJJ after reaching the pinnacle of Olympic competition demonstrates a lifelong commitment to learning and refining her martial arts skills, rather than resting on her past accomplishments.
Minkin's aptitude for grappling quickly translated to success in BJJ. Just two years after starting her training, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the gold medal at the 2011 IBJJF ( International Brazilian JiuJitsu Federation) Pan Am Championships. Winning a major IBJJF title at the blue belt level, despite her extensive Judo background, suggests a natural aptitude for BJJ principles and a rapid transfer of her existing grappling skills to this new discipline. While Judo and BJJ share common roots in grappling, they have distinct techniques and strategies. Further testament to her dedication and skill in Brazilian Jiu-JItsu is her current rank as a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Attaining the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2017 signifies years of dedicated training, mastery of a vast array of BJJ techniques, and a deep understanding of the art's philosophy and principles of leverage and control. This achievement firmly establishes her credibility and expertise in BJJ, complementing her already remarkable Judo credentials. The fact that she achieved this prestigious rank after an already demanding and successful career in Judo speaks volumes about her unwavering commitment to martial arts and her relentless pursuit of excellence in grappling.
Leading and Inspiring:
Charlee Minkin as an Instructor at The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Currently, Charlee Minkin plays a pivotal role at The Sanctuary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Fitness, serving as the head Judo instructor. In this capacity, she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience in Judo to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Her background as an Olympic athlete and her deep understanding of Judo techniques make her an exceptional resource for anyone looking to develop their stand-up grappling skills.
In addition to her Judo instruction, Minkin also holds the responsibility of head Strength and Conditioning instructor at The Sanctuary. This dual role highlights her comprehensive approach to martial arts training, recognizing the crucial interplay between technical proficiency and physical preparedness. To further support her expertise in this area, she holds an impressive array of personal training certifications, including AFAA PT Certification, Crossfit Level I Certification, and A.T.S.C.I. Kettlebell Instructor Certification. Her diverse certifications demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of fitness principles and various training methodologies, allowing her to create effective and tailored strength and conditioning programs for her students. Minkin's unique background allows her to effectively integrate Judo principles into the BJJ curriculum at The Sanctuary Bjj. This cross-training approach showcases her ability to bridge the gap between these two distinct yet complementary grappling arts, offering students a more complete and versatile understanding of both stand-up and ground fighting strategies. By teaching Judo specifically tailored for BJJ practitioners, she equips them with valuable takedown skills and a broader perspective on grappling engagements, while also providing Judo players with valuable insights into ground control and submission techniques prevalent in JiuJitsu.
Her connection to The Sanctuary BJJ extends beyond her instructional role, as she is married to Ben Lowry, a highly respected 3rd-degree Rigan Machado Black Belt and the head BJJ instructor at the academy.7 This partnership with her husband, a fellow high-level martial artist, likely fosters a strong and collaborative training environment at The Sanctuary BJJ, creating a hub of grappling expertise where students can benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of two exceptional instructors. Their shared passion and expertise within the leadership of the gym contribute to a high standard of instruction and a supportive community for students dedicated to mastering the art of grappling.
Beyond the Mats: A Life Shaped by Discipline and Service
Before dedicating herself fully to martial arts instruction, Charlee Minkin pursued other significant career paths that further highlight her discipline and commitment to service. In 2005, she began a career as a personal trainer , working at established fitness centers such as 24 Hour Fitness and Fitness Together, as well as building a clientele of private clients. Her experience as a personal trainer has likely honed her coaching and communication skills, as well as deepened her understanding of individual fitness goals, limitations, and the importance of personalized training approaches. This background allows her to tailor her instruction to meet the diverse needs and abilities of her martial arts students.
In 2007, Minkin embarked on a significant career in law enforcement, serving as a Police Agent for the city of Lakewood, Colorado. During her time with the Lakewood Police Department, she took on crucial roles as an Arrest Control Instructor and a Fitness Assessor. Her expertise in grappling was further recognized through her involvement in developing the first POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified grappling manual, which she then taught to other law enforcement agencies. Her experience in law enforcement, particularly in teaching grappling techniques for arrest control, showcases the practical application of her martial arts skills in real-world, high-stakes situations.
An Instructor Forged in Dedication and Excellence
Charlee Minkin's journey is an extraordinary narrative of dedication and achievement in the world of martial arts. Her decades-long commitment to Judo saw her rise to the pinnacle of the sport, representing her nation at the Olympic Games and securing numerous national and international accolades. This foundation of discipline and mastery seamlessly transitioned into the realm of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she quickly excelled, earning a Black Belt and a gold medal at the IBJJF Pan American Championships.
Her current role as the head Judo and Strength & Conditioning instructor at The Sanctuary BJJ in Lakewood, Colorado, underscores her continued passion for martial arts and her commitment to sharing her vast knowledge and experience with others. With her impressive credentials as an Olympic Judo athlete, a multiple-time national and international Judo medalist, a current 5th Degree Black Belt in Judo, a 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt, and an IBJJF Pan American gold medalist, Minkin brings an unparalleled level of expertise to her students.
The value she offers extends beyond her technical skills. Her diverse background, encompassing careers in personal training and law enforcement, provides her with a unique perspective on physical conditioning, self-defense, and effective instruction. Charlee Minkin stands as an invaluable asset to the martial arts community in Lakewood, Colorado, and beyond. Her dedication to teaching and her remarkable accomplishments make her an inspiring figure and a highly sought-after instructor for anyone seeking to excel in Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or overall physical fitness.
